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Canton City Council adopts amended public‑comment rule after public criticism
Summary
After several public speakers warned the proposed limits would silence unhoused residents, the council adopted an amended version of Rule 15 governing public comment following floor debate and a failed referral to committee; the resolution passed 9–3.
The Canton City Council on Jan. 5 adopted an amended version of Rule 15, the council’s public‑comment rule, after floor debate and vocal public testimony opposing tighter limits on who may speak.
Supporters of restoring broad public comment and several regular public speakers urged the council to reject identity requirements and strict topical limits. "Forcing people to use their legal name puts safety at risk and has no legal basis," said Bennett Parker, who identified themself as homeless in Canton and told the council such requirements "exclude dissent" and "turn public speaks into a performance, not a tool for accountability." Lorenda Johnson said similar rules in other cities had been used to silence protest and argued the proposed changes were being used to "scapegoat" and marginalize homeless residents.
Council members debated procedure and substance. Member Morris moved to refer the measure to committee, saying multiple amendments made the proposal difficult to interpret; the motion to refer failed on a roll call (5 yeas, 7 nays). The council then voted on the resolution reinstating Rule 15 as amended; the motion carried on roll call (9 yeas, 3 nays).
During debate the law director explained the difference between formal and informal resolutions and how council rules govern amendments and referrals; multiple members said they were uncomfortable sending the matter to committee when the body could vote tonight. Several public speakers — including Kim Bell and Skylar Burst — told the council the amendments would bar repeat speakers, require proof of residence or documentation, and limit discussion to specific agenda items, which they said would prevent residents from raising interconnected concerns such as homelessness and alleged police misconduct.
The council adopted informal resolution number 6 (reinstatement of Rule 15 as amended). The measure was moved and seconded on the floor and passed according to recorded roll‑call votes. The law director and several council members said future clarifications or committee work could still occur under the rules the council adopted.
The council proceeded with other agenda items after the vote.
